Beyond the town centre, Colchester lies on the border of Constable Country, an area of natural beauty that inspired the English landscape painter John Constable, and includes the areas depicted in some of his most famous paintings including the Haywain.
Colchester's history and culture often intertwine. You can visit a Roman Theatre, or look at historic art in the Castle. Further afield you can find Medieveal wall paintings in Copford Church.
Colchester's Cultural Highlights
Colchester's contemporary art gallery hosts exhibitions, film screenings, talks, activities and much more.
The highly regarded Mercury Theatre stages both touring and self-produced plays in it's main auditorium. It also has a smaller studio theatre.
From live music and comedy to live art and children's shows, there's always something happening at Colchester Arts Centre
Live music, stand-up comedy, dancing, and more. There's something for everyone after dark in Colchester.
Theatres and Shows
There's no shortage of Theatres in Colchester, with the Mercury Theatre and smaller Headgate Theatre serving the town centre, and the Lakeside Theatre based on the University of Essex campus just outside town.
The Mercury Theatre is the town's largest, and main producing Theatre, whilst the Headgate is the home of amateur theatre in Colchester. The Lakeside stages smaller productions as well as shows by students at the University.
Aside from the traditional theatres, Colchester Arts Centre often programmes plays and more challenging productions, whilst in the summer months you can find pop-up productions in a variety of gardens, churches and unused spaces around town.
Theatres in Colchester
Galleries & Exhibitions
Just over the road you can find The Minories Gallery, run by the Colchester School of Art which has a dynamic exhibition programme, often including locally based artists. Their tearoom is run by Wilkin and Sons, makers of Tiptree Jam, and their shop is a treasure trove of locally crafted items and art.
As well as art exhibitions, you can find a wealth of talks, activities, and performances taking place around town.
Exhibitions Coming Up and Now On
RA250: Sir Alfred Munnings and the Royal Academy
Fri 30 Mar - Wed 31 Oct 2018
Exhibition celebrating Alfred Munnings as Past President of the Royal Academy
We Must Do Battle Where We Are Standing
Wed 27 Jun - Sun 2 Sep 2018
Art exhibition by artist Kate Genever
Summer Open Exhibition
Wed 8 - Wed 29 Aug 2018
Colchester Art Society & The Minories Galleries Joint Summer Open Exhibition of Paintings, Prints and Sculptures. The Exhibition features an unusually large and varied show with over 350 entries and is open from Wednesday 8th August to
Ardleigh Open Studios
Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sep 2018
Ardleigh Studios were set up three years ago. They provide workspace for over 30 visual artists including painters, sculptors, and designer makers. Open Studios is an opportunity for visitors to meet them and see what they do!
Raqs Media Collective: Not Yet At Ease
Sat 29 Sep - Mon 31 Dec 2018
Exhibition as part of #1418NOW at Firstsite
Historic Art and Culture in Colchester
Discover the landscapes that inspired some of the most recognisable art ever produced in Britain. John Constable was born and grew up close to Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border.
Colchester Castle's collection of objects from Roman Britain is rivalled only by the British Museum. Also in town explore the ruins of a Roman Theatre and be sure to visit Britain's only known Roman Circus.
Take a trip out to St Michael and All Angels Church in Copford where you can see some of the best preserved Norman wall-paintings in Britain.
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
More Culture in Colchester
Browse one-off and special film screenings in Colchester. Watch out for outdoor screenings in the summer and Colchester Film Festival in the autumn
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Regular programmes of classical music are curated by Colchester's arts venues, local churches, and other venues. The Roman River Music Festival is a yearly highlight.
Colchester has a thriving stand-up scene with several different sized venues hosting a wide range of comedians and shows. you will find a particularly busy schedule during the yearly Colchester Comedy Festival
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You can find live music week-in week-out in the pubs and bars of Colchester as well as bigger names throughout the year at venues like Colchester Arts Centre. Every summer, you can also find music festivals in Castle Park.
Browse our culture listings for Colchester
More things to do in Colchester
